These chapters are prophecies of coming judgment, and show how the people's sin will bring upon them: (a) exile (9:1-8); (b) a diminished population (9:9-17); and (c) the destruction of both the sanctuaries and the throne, and the reducing of the nation to servitude (10:1-15).
1. 9:1-8 This passage was perhaps spoken at a religious festival, when people were making merry after the manner of the heathen at their festicals (9:1). How does Hosea describe the changes that exile will bring?
2. 9:9-17 God himself speaks. He sees lust prevalent in the nation, as in the most shameful days of Israel's history. To what results would it lead?
3. What different kinds of sin are spoken of in chapter 10? What counsel does the prophet give as to the one way of escape from the coming judgment?
Notes
1. 10:1 "stones" a common feature of a Canaanite shrine, initiated by the Israelites in their worship.
2. 10:5-6 Cross reference I Kings 12:28-29
3. 10:10 "Their double iniquity" perhaps meaning the sins of the throne and of worship.
4 10:11 The position of Israel is to be changed from that of a heifer treading the threshing-floor and eating freely (Deut. 25:4) to the heavy labor of the yoke.
5 10:14 "As Shalman devastated Beth Arbel" The reference is uncertain. Shalman is probably the same as Shalmaneser (2 Kings 17:3)
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It's been quiet around here lately... I've really enjoyed this study of Hosea. I'm learning so much about the love of God despite our vile nature. Doesn't it just make you want a Hosea in our culture today? Perhaps they are around and we're not listening???
ReplyDelete1. Some of the changes Hosea mentions are famine, slavery, dietary changes (v. 3), and "thorns in the tabernacle" v. 6. It's disturbing to think about this because Egypt is in Israel's history and things like famine (can we say Joseph?), slavery (can we say Moses?), and problems with the tabernacle (can we say David?) aren't foreign to Israel! This is the second time around for them and God uses some of the same things to threaten them with. At least He's a consistent parent. :-)
Verse 7 tells us that even the spiritual leaders of the time were participating and condoning the vile behaviors in Israel.
2. Verse 10 gives us a picture of freshness, ripe fruit, and growth... but despite the prosper, Israel still turns to other gods. I thought it was interesting where it says "their sins were as bad as they loved." This reminded me that the longer we hold onto our sin the more coddling is done and the healthier and stronger the sin grows. It's kind of like Gollum on LOTR with the ring. Sin becomes an obsession depsite all the ways we have suffered for it (physical appearance in Gollum's case).
The end result of this lust for sin is loss of life (v. 12-14), and God casting the nation aside (v. 17). I'm troubled by this as I think America is in this boat. I'd like to prevent the "casting" stage if possible.
3. Again, a list of sins. It's really amazing how many different sins are listed in this book as a whole. In this case, we're looking at selfishness (v1), altar worship (v1), an uncommitted heart (v2), lying (v4), and disunity (v10).
What I love about this book is that despite the overall gloom and continuous rebellion of God's people, we see picture after picture of redemption! V. 12 is pretty clear... SOW RIGHTEOUSNESS and REAP MERCY! Not so bad! We really are dumb as sheep. Can't even complete those basic instructions...
Something that came to mind when studying this session was how all this talk about relationships between nations, etc doesn't matter. The only relationship that matters is the one to GOD. He promises us mercy in our relationship with Him. How many times do I take these promises and assume they apply to my earthly relationships... that's not how it works! It was a great reminder to me that our relationship with God comes with promises, but none of our human relationships, which is why God must be number 1.
-Sarah